Panasonic launches a pair of Micro Four Thirds lenses

In a press conference this morning, Panasonic has added two Lumix G Micro Four Thirds lenses to its lineup: the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 ASPH/Mega O.I.S., and the Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH.

Video-ready Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8The Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm joins the new Lumix DMC-GH1 system camera as the kit lens for the new video-ready model. Designed with video shooting in mind, the 14-140mm, which performs like a 28-280mm lens on a Micro Four Thirds body, uses smooth and silent internal focusing motors.

Optical image stabilization is built in to the new lens. Although the 14-140mm is larger than previous Micro Four Thirds lenses, construction includes four aspherical lenses and two ED elements to keep size in check while controlling distortion and chromatic aberration.

Optimized for use with the G1/GH1’s contrast-detection AF, the 7-14mm is small and light. Coverage is impressive, with a focal length equivalent to 14-28mm when mounted on a Micro Four Thirds body. Optical design features 16 elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical and four ED elements.

In addition to the two new lens announcements, Panasonic’s Ichiro Kitao noted in today’s press conference that Panasonic intends to bring new Micro Four Thirds mount adapters – specifically, for Leica R and M lenses – to market in the near future.

Pricing and availabilityPricing and launch dates for Panasonic’s new lenses were not announced during the press conference. We’ll update this story with more information as it becomes available.